I think that Tate is the #2 QB. Just had to serve some bench time last weekend. He'll play against ND. I'm sure his role will grow in other games in which we can pass all over terrible defenses a la Purdue, Illinois and Michigan State.

Not sure I understand the belief that Tate will be put in when we are going to air it out. From what I saw last week, Denard was pretty damn good with his arm. Yes, mostly short stuff, but that short stuff was crisp and well thrown. I also think that the lack of long passes was more a function of (1) gusty wind, and (2) why throw deap when they can't stop the run AT ALL, than any deficiency in Denard's passing game.

Denard (and Devin) faced UConn's pass defense. Granted, Denard had a really good passing game in pretty bad wind conditions. Tate is experienced and proven when things are more desparate. (There are also a lot of clips with him connecting with Kelvin Grady (who I assume is the starter in Roy's absence.)

If our losses on defense cause gaps that get us down, and we need to go to a faster pace game, Tate is a viable choice.

If Tate doesn't come in, I am beginning to wonder if there is something wrong (health-wise) with him, and the staff is just hiding the weakness.

he will play against ND. Here is the deal, if he is shelved for an extended period of time, like games plural, he will out period, he will be lost. I am still in the minority who believes that Tate's last chapter as quarterback at Michigan has not yet been written. He is still part of plan. I am also convinced that the plan is to redshirt Gardner if at all possible. As such, if he can get is act together and take this as a challenge instead of cause for self-pity, he can find himself as 1/2 of a brutally effective two quarterback system.

My dad said when he played you had 3 games to redshirt, whether you took snaps or not... Then again he doesn't remember all that well, and the Big Ten wasn't even allowed to redshirt until halfway through his career at UM, and even then it probably changed, so who knows.

he will see time. As a highly competent change of pace, he could f sh*t up but good for ND. But if Denard is turning in another controlled, masterful performance it would be harder to yank him. Also, it remains to be seen whether the offense can switch effortlessly between QBs or struggles to adjust to rhythm and signals.

I also agree that Tate is the real number two--or would be if things were going well. (Anyone notice the almost giddy body language Devin exhibited when he was sent in? That guy was geeked.)

He probably won't play till idk week 3 or 4 vs BGSU or UMASS.. it says a lot when they burn DGS redshirt on one play the first week.. its gonna take more than a week to get into rotation and gain your own lockerrooms respect

I think Tate will go in as soon as it helps the team win. This could be if Denard gets hurt but it could easily be 3rd qtr against Notre Dame if we are losing (or even if we are not winning by much) or even if Denard is not passing well against Notre Dame.

Tate going in in the 3rd qtr against Notre Dame would cause hysteria on their sideline. Whether the hysteria would be justified or not would depend on how bad Denard was passing and how well Tate could pass in the game.

I think (hope) Devin going in to play against UConn was strictly recruiting related. It says to recruits: "See you really can play if you are good. No need to redshirt here or be on the bottom of the depth chart."

No. You must not have been paying very close attention during RR's tenure. If there's one thing he absolutely will not do, it's pampering big time recruits. That's not to say he's not a man of his word--he has kept every promise as far as giving people shots at positions...in practice. He would never EVER guarantee early playing time.

This was one of 2 things: Devin was simply better in practice and earned the #2 spot, or Tate was being disciplined.

the coaching staff is aware of the situation with tate and his sentiments about riding the bench. the fact that they have complimented his response to the challenges put forth following his questionable effort over the summer. they wouldnt have bothered if they didnt want to keep him in the program. i would be absolutely shocked if he doesnt get at least a series in the ND game. I dont think well see devin again until the cupcake part of our schedule (beginning in the 3rd quarter of the ND game, after theyve already given up).